Sawsan Sleiman

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

My most valuable contribution to the TechWomen mentorship lies in my proficiency with software relevant to civil engineering, conducting experiments to test construction materials, experiments in the geotechnical field, and environmental engineering experiments. Also, I have experience preparing courses and manuals, adeptness in report and proposal writing to apply for new projects, and experience in event organization and research. Additionally, I can share insights on GIS mapping, CAD drawing, and effective presentation preparation. With a focus on knowledge exchange, I aim to empower my mentor and their colleagues with practical skills and innovative approaches to the civil engineering field.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Empowerment in public speaking & team leadership skills.
2. Management & transportation integration case study projects.
3. Exploring Building Information Model (BIM) in Civil Engineering: Basics, Benefits, and Usage.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Attend company meetings
• Visit an office or attend a site-visit
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Focus on technical skills building
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor match would be in a small to medium-sized company, fostering open communication and enabling direct interaction with employees. I aim to focus on projects combining transportation and management (under civil engineering major), seeking to deepen my understanding of analysis tools, time management, road safety, road design, etc. Furthermore, I can benefit greatly if the company is engaged in research within this field, providing opportunities for innovation and learning. Additionally, I aspire to leverage their expertise in utilizing BIM in civil engineering, particularly in areas like Revit, project management, and safety protocols.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Serious
2. Diligent
3. Collaborative

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

I hope that collaborating with a U.S.-based mentor will initially improve my verbal English skills while also broadening my perspective and exposing me to new methodologies and the latest technologies and research, given the U.S.'s reputation as a leader in the field. I anticipate fostering invaluable connections within the industry for future collaboration. Leveraging their expertise, I aim to accelerate my career growth in research, software, and applicable methods. Upon returning to Lebanon, I look forward to imparting these skills to my colleagues and students, ultimately achieving greater success and impact in my professional path.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

As engineers, our mission is to drive economic growth and infrastructure development in our country. The TechWomen program will provide invaluable guidance through interviews with US experts and access to resources for future progress. I'm committed to sharing this knowledge with my students, and future engineers who will contribute to our country's infrastructure development. Additionally, I'll organize training for female professionals in my field and apply gained experience and knowledge to real projects while continuing research in related topics.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

15

Primary Professional Focus

• Civil, water or environmental specialist
• Design or CAD
• Scientist and researcher in technical science and/or engineering discipline

Education History